Re-Install Office XP Question

Win Me/Office XP Because Office XP "Check for Updates" FREEZES at 51% and locks-up computer, I want to Re-Install Office XP;
Repair performed via Control Panel Add/Delete but didn't help nor other suggested fixes;
Only have Dell-provided Office XP Small Business disk(s) that will go back to Day 1 and (ie) Install IE 5.X;
Should I DELETE IE6 and the (2) Q# hotfixes and then build back-up from there?
Last time I tried this the IE re-install was hell & I had NOT Deleted IE6 first.
Any other thoughts appreciated on how to minimize problems. Many Thanks!